Customers who wish to sit together in family or friendship groups can be assured of avoiding any extra charges by travelling to the continent next time by ferry.

This reassurance was issued by the Passenger Shipping Association (PSA) - representing all the major ferry companies operating out of the UK, in response to the revelation that British Airways plan to charge customers extra for seat selection.

“We value all our customers highly, and our ferry members wouldn’t dream of charging them extra for seat selection if they wish to sit with their family and friends”, said Bill Gibbons, director of the PSA.

“The same goes for not charging them for bringing a suitcase on board - or for that matter, a set of golf clubs or even a surfboard. The general airline policy of charging extra for everything they can think of is opening up a real divide with the way they treat their customers compared with our ferry operators, and we expect this latest announcement will lead to further increase to the 40 million ferry journeys made each year, clearly differentiating ferries as the most hassle-free and economically convenient way to travel to Europe from the UK”.

Online fares for a car and up to five passengers start from just £29 each way.